Host Community Profile Butuan City

Agusan Del Norte

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HOST COMMUNITY PROFILE BUTUAN CITY: BRIEF DESCRIPTION LOCATION. POPULATION. The City of Butuan is the regional center of Caraga Region, administrative Region XIII of the Philippines. Butuan is a highly urbanized city, located at the northeastern part of Agusan Valley, Mindanao, sprawling across the Agusan River. It is bounded to the north, west and south by Agusan del Norte, to the east by Agusan del Sur and to the northwest by Butuan Bay. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 309,709, with an increase of 11% each year over the 2010-2012 period. It has an area of 81.728 hectares, with 27 Urban Barangays and 59 Rural Barangays. The people speak multi-lingual dialect predominantly, Butuanon, Cebuano and English. HISTORICAL ORIGINS. The City’s name "Butuan" is believed to have originated from the sour fruit, batuan. Other sources claim it originated from "Datu Buntuan", a chieftain who once ruled over Butuan. Natural tropical beauty defines the scenic City and Agusan del Norte Province. Many archaic mementos are spread throughout the province. The place is rich in history and culture. Butuan City, the location of the project, is a significantly historic City in the entire Philippine archipelago. In Butuan City, archeologists discovered nine ancient boats, called Balanghai. The first Balanghai was discovered near the Bood River in Barangay Masao, Butuan City. Scientific tests revealed that the artifact is dated 320 A.D. or 1688 years old. The rest of the nine Balanghai were discovered and named as "the Butuan boats," in Ambangan, Libertad near the old El Rio de Butuan and Masao River as well as a few other sites. The Balanghais were used as the means of transport by Malay-Polynesians to Butuan and evidence of dynamic and brisk trading existed between the early population of Butuan with Chinese, Arab and other Asian ethnic people. Butuan established early trading relations with the Kingdom of Champa, now southern Vietnam, and the Srivijaya empire of Sumatra. By the 11th century, Butuan was a center of trade and commerce in the Philippines and was the location of the prehispanic Indianized Kingdom of Butuan. Early Spanish settlers further reached Butuan City as early as March and April of 1521. Before Ferdinand Magellan was slain during the battle in Mactan, Cebu Province, the Portuguese ship captain set foot in Butuan City.

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POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION. Until 2000 when Republic Act 8811 transferred the capital to Cabadbaran City, Butuan was the capital of Agusan del Norte. However many provincial government offices are still located there, including the Provincial Capitol, as are many the Caraga regional offices of the national government agencies. CLIMATE. ENVIRONMENT. Butuan’s climate is dry from the months of March to September and rainy during the months of October to February. Common throughout the year, the temperature is Minimum - 66'F and Maximum - 85'F. ECONOMICS. TRAVEL. TRANSPORT. In recent past, Butuan collectively with rest of the localities in Agusan enjoyed wide renown as the Timber City of the South. At present, Butuan is acknowledged as the Regional Center of the mineral rich Caraga Region, comprising of Agusan and Surigao provinces, the cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, Bayugan of Agusan provinces and Surigao, Tandag and Bislig of Surigao provinces. Butuan City has the only alternate International Airport in Northern Mindanao with 7 flights daily to Manila and Cebu serviced by PAL, Air Philippines and the Cebu Pacific. There is an on-going influx and exodus of mining investors to the mineral rich Caraga Region. Even small scale mining operations are prevalent in the entire region. A substantial number of foreign vessels have been loading mineral ores like gold, copper, silver, chromite and iron coming from mining sites in Agusan and Surigao provinces. The ores are shipped to Canada, Australia, Korea and other foreign countries. Inter-island vessels also load mineral ores to Manila and Cebu, among other destinations. Shelter and services of the housing industry is now in great demand in Butuan City as the business center of the Region. POWER SECTOR. In Mindanao, it is reported as of April 2012 that the situation on power in the area is very grim and no solutions are forthcoming in the near future. The Mindanao consumers in power-strapped Mindanao came up in arms against government plans to build more coal-fired plants to relieve the critical energy shortage, warning that these would lock the island into a polluting source of power. The warning was sounded ahead of the energy summit in Davao City by the environmentalist foundation, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, which claimed that contracts had been prepared to allow the construction of coal plants which are reported to be “more expensive, dirty, and nonrenewable power.”

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The Philippine President called a power summit for Mindanao to seek short- and long-term solutions to the energy shortage. Critics claimed that environmental compliance certificates were “hastily approved” for the coal-fired new plants. Energy Undersecretary Josephine Patricia Asirit said that government intends to build more coal-fired plants to generate 700 megawatts of base-load power and to revive the 100-watt Iligan diesel plant owned by the Alcantaras. The power barges deployed in Mindanao would produce an extra 120 megawatts since the Agus Pulangui plants, which produce 180 megawatts, would be shut down, with repairs starting on the second quarter of 2012. Mindanao had a daily demand of 1,200 megawatts and a shortfall of 100 megawatts, and that demand was growing at 50 megawatts yearly. Some 1,400 megawatts would be in the pipeline for Mindanao from October 2012 to 2014. With these costs, the government was in effect leaving the public only two options—bite the bullet of high electricity costs or suffer the consequences of worsening electricity shortages. Some Congress members say that “It appears that there is enough power supply in Mindanao. The problem is that it is too expensive, so the power distributors are not buying for fear of going bankrupt.” The government was criticized for insisting on using coal. The government has obviously used the power crisis and created an emergency situation to ram down the throat of the people of Mindanao the dirty and coal-fired power plants, the critics declared. Department of Energy (DOE) claim Mindanao experienced only 30 minutes to two hours of power outages a day. Government accused the media of blowing the power shortage out of proportion, since there were no 10-, 12- or 14-hour blackouts on the island. Officials of DOE refuse to call the shortage a “crisis,” and prefer to call it a “situation.” Electric cooperatives in Mindanao opposed the planned privatization of the power plants and barges. They also asked for the deferment of the planned privatization of the Agus and Pulangui hydroelectric plants, as it would help ease the power crisis without resulting in a drastic spike in electricity prices. All these proposals to relieve the shortage were mainly short-term measures, and no long-term plans have been proposed so far. More than 50 percent of Mindanao’s supply of electricity comes from hydropower sources, the bulk from the Agus power complex in Lanao and the Pulangui IV plant in Bukidnon. The Agus plants are already 30 years old. Among the island’s major generation plants, only STEAG State Power Inc. in Misamis Oriental was built in the last 10 years. The inability to build power plants over the last two decades was a major factor in the current problem. “To a certain extent, this was influenced by the grid’s dependence on hydropower, where the generation cost is below P2 per kilowatt hour or less than half the estimated cost for coal-fired plants,” according to the BusinessWorld.

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The short-term prospects appear very grim, as power-sector leaders in Mindanao remain pessimistic. In the province of Zamboanga, power availability expectations are extremely low. During the past summer months, the people in the area suffer the worst -- with the daily power outage in the Zamboanga City alone lasting more than six hours each time scaling down is needed. Like several other areas in Mindanao, Butuan City is also suffering from power crisis. Power generation capacity in Mindanao is not enough to meet both the energy demand and reserve requirement according to the report of the Department of Energy (DOE) during the 2012 Mindanao Energy Investment Forum held at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City on 20 June 2012. The Forum was administered by the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) of the DOE. The report also said that unlike in Luzon and Visayas, there is no venue to sell un-contracted electricity generation in Mindanao where load customers without supply contracts can buy electricity. However, it averred that the Government (PSALM/NPC) is no longer allowed to incur new financial obligations. Furthermore, the DOE itself admits that those who can decide on the power situation are irresponsible and selfish. An executive order was issued by the President of the Republic of the Philippines (Annex “A”). PLACES OF INTEREST THE BUTUAN REGIONAL MUSEUM The repository of historical and cultural materials and artifacts that prove Butuan's prehistoric existence galleries. The Archaeological Hall and Ethnological Hall. Specimen of Stone crafts, metalcrafts, woodcrafts, potteries, goldsmithing, burial coffins, and other archaeological diggings, are exhibited. At the Ethnological Hall are exhibits of contemporary cultural materials the Butuanon or every Filipino for that matter used for a living. THE BALANGAY SHRINE MUSEUM Just 5 kilometers from the city proper lies the graveyard of the Balangay 1 dated 320 A.D. & others. This wooden plant-built and edged-pegged boats average 15 meters in length and 3 meters wide across the beam. To date, 9 balangays have already been discovered in the Ambangan, Libertad Sites. Three have been excavated and others are still in Situ. No other locality in the Philippines or Southeast Asia has there been such rare and extensive discovery of the maritime vessel and cultural relics associated with seafaring people except in Butuan.

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NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG IN MINDANAO (Rizal Park) This flagpole was erected to commemorate the first formal raising of the Philippine flag in Mindanao on January 17, 1899 at this same site 104 years ago. The giant flag stays hoisted night and day which the Philippine Centennial Commission and the National Historical Institute installed an official marker which they considered as the National Shrine of Philippine Flag for Mindanao. BUTUAN DIOCESAN MUSEUM (G/F St. Joseph's Cathedral Convent) A repository of the religious patrimony and cultural heritage of the Church in the region. As the first ecclesiastical museum, established in Mindanao, it has kept a wide variety of antique statues, bells, chalices, relics, missals, bibles and other church appurtenances that are rare and difficult to find these days. NIPA WINE DISTILLERY "LAKSOY" is a local wine made out of indigenous Nipa Palm that abound in Butuan. It goes through the process of fermentation from a crudely made vat only a native Butuanon can ingeniously produce. Laksoy is definitely one of the best tasting local wines in the island.

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AGUSAN NEOTONIC EARTHQUAKE FAULT Two volcanic belts are presently juxtaposed on Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines. Southward, the collision is still active in the Molucca Sea which is commonly regarded as a region of doubly verging subduction, plunging eastward below the Halmahera arc and westward below the Sangihe arc. In the Molluca Sea, tectonic features related to the incipient collision appear only in the very thick sediments of the basin, and the morphology of the parallel Halmahera, Talaud and Sangihe ridges is closely controlled by recent N-S strike-slip faults. Among these faults, the Philippine Fault is a neotectonic feature crosscutting the Agusan-Davao Basin which seals tectonic events not younger than Eocene. In addition, the Central Cordillera shows strong similarities with the Pacific Cordillera for both stratigraphy and tectonic evolution, and several indications favor a Eurasian margin affinity for the Daguma Range (Southern and Eastern Kudarat Plateau that may be part of the Sangihe arc, as inferred for the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Northern Arm of Sulawesi. Thus the island of Mindanao can be divided into two composite terranes, the western one (northward extension of the Sangihe arc) being restricted to the Kudarat Plateau and the Zamboanga Peninsula. The apparent continuation of the Sangihe arc into the Central Cordillera of Mindanao is thus the result of post collision tectonics. The portion of the suture where the collision is completed curves westward north of the southern peninsula and extends beneath the sediments of the Cotabato Basin or the volcanic plateaus of the Lanao-Misamis-Bukidnon Highlands. In the northern part, the contact is linear and suggests, together with the absence of compressional deformation, a docking of the eastern oceanic terrane (Philippine Mobile Belt-Halmahera arc) against the western continental terrane (Zamboanga-Daguma) in a strike-slip environment. Prior to Early Pliocene, the eastern and the western terranes were subject to different tectonic regimes with direction of extension perpendicular to the present one. From Late Pliocene to present, both terranes are affected by NNE and E-W compression.

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Government advisory on active earthquake faults and trenches, liquefaction hazards of Butuan City.

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AGUSAN DEL NORTE: BRIEF DESCRIPTION 1 Agusan del Norte is a third class province and the second smallest in the Caraga Region. It is mountainous along its northeastern and western parts. In between are flat, rolling lands particularly where the Agusan River cuts through as it empties into Butuan Bay. Its crystal –clear waters that sparkle with the bright reflection of the sun and verdant landscapes, enchanting caves, pear-shaped lake, multi-tiered waterfalls are great getaways that await the visitor to the place. Furthermore, both Butuan City and the province of Agusan del Norte is a haven of antiquated finds. The Province of Agusan del Norte lies at the coordinates 9° north latitude and 125° and 30 minutes east longitude on the northeastern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines. Butuan Bay and the province of Surigao del Norte bound it on the north, Agusan del Sur on the south, Surigao del Sur on the east and Misamis Oriental on the west. Agusan del Norte has 273,024 hectares of total land area to manage in order to satisfy the needs of its residents, and to contribute to regional and national development. Table II-I indicates the subdivision of the area among the municipalities. Political Subdivision The place is one of the 82 provinces of the Philippines and one of the 5 that comprise the Caraga Region (Region XIII). Within its territory are 1 city and 10 municipalities that have on their expanse a total of 167 barangays. The component city is Cabadbaran and the 10 municipalities are Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago, and Tubay. Butuan City, its previous capital, is still the seat of the provincial government as of 2010 and will continue to serve as such until the base of operations is transferred to Cabadbaran, the new administrative center. Based on the CBMS 2007 Survey, the province has a total of 1,095 puroks in the following city/municipalities, to wit: Cabadbaran (184), Buenavista (200), Carmen (76), Jabonga (90), Kitcharao (59), Las Nieves (131), Magallanes (56), Nasipit (113), RTR (58), Santiago (55) and Tubay (40) . Topography Flat and rolling lands characterized much of Agusan del Norte’s landscape. Surrounded by mountains at the northwestern and southeastern fronts, the sea embraces valleys at its mid portion that runs in triangular form from the west and comprise the plains fronting Butuan Bay on the east. Lording over this landmass in term of elevation is the 2,012 meters Mt. Hilong-hilong in Cabadbaran, part of Diwata Mountain Range as its

1 Source: Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte.

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northeastern boundary with the province of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur that stand as watershed to Caraga Region’s major rivers. The other highlands in the province are Mt. Mabaho, 1823 meters in Buenavista and Mt. Piglalahan, 810 meters in Carmen. Accessibility to Butuan City and Agusan

Butuan City and the Province of Agusan del Norte are accessible by 2 daily flights from Manila. The two airlines operating at the city of Butuan are Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. This aircraft can accommodate around 150 people. Flights to Butuan are mainly domestic in nature however connect with important domestic destinations from where International flights are available. Province of Agusan del Norte has daily trips by ship from Manila and Cebu via the Ports of Nasipit and Surigao; and every 30 minutes by bus from the cities of Surigao, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Following below are the distances of Municipalities from Agusan del Norte’s Provincial Capital (Cabadbaran City):

Population The province of Agusan del Norte (excluding Butuan City) as of August 1, 2007, has a total population of 309,338 which is 13.48% to that of Caraga Region and only 0.34% of the population of the Philippines. The number of households totaled to 60,655 with an average household size of 5.1.

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Agusan del Norte has a density of 113.301 per sq. km. Among the ten (10) municipalities, Magallanes is the most densely populated while Las Nieves has the lowest population density level. The city of Cabadbaran ranked 3rd densely populated area in the province. The city of Cabadbaran has the highest population share of 19.90%, the municipality of Buenavista ranked 2nd with 17.15%, 3rd is Nasipit with 12.31% and the lowest is RTR with only 4.84%. Annual Population Growth Rate (APGR) Average Population Growth Rate (APGR) for Agusan del Norte for the period 2000-2007 is 1.148%. Of the ten (10) municipalities of the province, the top three municipalities which registered the highest growth rates are Las Nieves, Jabonga and RTR with 2.27%, 1.690% and 1.645% respectively. Carmen, on the other hand, registered the lowest growth rate with only 0.655%. The city of Cabadbaran ranked 4th in growth rate with 1.622%. Given the 1.148% growth rate, Agusan del Norte’s population increased by 38,240 between 2007-2017. Among the three (3) municipalities with the highest growth rates, Las Nieves population increased by 6,361 over the eleven (11) year period. This is followed by Jabonga with an increase of 4,206 and Nasipit with an increase of 3,506. Expectedly, Carmen, which has the smallest growth rate only increased its population over the 11 year period by 1,222. Mother Tongue/Ethnicity Most of the residents of the province are from the Visayas Island. Forty percent (40%) of the population speak Bisaya, 33% Cebuano and 7% Boholano as mother tongue. The Butuanons who are among the original inhabitants of the place comprised 3.05% of its residents. All the residents can speak Pilipino. Religion The Roman Catholic religion still rules with three-fourths or 75.30 percent of the population in its fold. The Aglipayan Church has the second highest number of members with 8.25 percent and the remaining 16,45 percent belong to other religions.

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Citizenship Ninety six percent (96%) of the residents of the province are Filipino Citizens. American citizens are only 267 or 0.09%, British with 238 or 0.08% and Chinese, 173 or 0.06%. Electorate During the 2010 elections, voting percentage on the provincial level is 80.04% which is lower by 1.43% compared to that of the 2007 elections of 81.47%. In 2007, number of registered voters reached 293,696 and it went down to 201,148 in 2010. Literacy Rate In 2003, Agusan del Norte is next to Butuan City in terms of literacy rate but among the four (4) provinces in the Caraga Region, Agusan del Norte ranks the first and Surigao del Norte is the last. Investments In March 2012, it was announced that at least seven municipalities in the province will benefit from a Korean company that will start operating in Agusan del Norte. This is contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) set for inking by Governor Erlpe John M. Amante, in behalf of the province, and the International Agricultural Development Institute (IADI), based in Seoul, Korea. The Korean company is very much interested on cassava, palm oil, and the processing of wood pellets, which are highly in-demand abroad, according to Mr. Park Nam Kyu, the Philippine Branch Manager in a letter to the provincial governor. IADI will occupy 5,000 – 15,000 hectares of land for a period of 25 years at the LASBUENASCAR area (composed of Las Nieves, Buenavista, and Carmen), including the towns of Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga, and Kitcharao. The effort took years of selling the province to attract investors to pour their investments to Agusan del Norte. In 2010, numerous foreign and local investors forged ties with the province. The LASBUENASCAR Agro-Forestry Project area has been their favorite investment spot because of its vast area and its soil suitability perfect for crops. The latest of which was in March 2011, when a MOA was signed between the province and a Korean-based firm, Newphilcorn Corporation for the establishment of a yellow corn plantation and processing plant consisting of 1,000-5,000 hectares of land.

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Last January of 2011, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the establishment of a banana plantation by La Agusana Fresh International, Inc., a local investor based in Davao City. And in 2010, a MOU was inked with Shine Art Valley, another Korean company for a banana and oil plantation. The province is expecting a significant turnaround of its economy in the coming years vis-à-vis the surge of employment in the affected areas. The memorandum of understanding serves to establish cooperation between the two parties and define their respective roles and responsibilities for the effective and sustainable implementation of the proposed plantation project, according to the Provincial Board Resolution of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte. In 2008 a total of PhP3022.76 million worth of investments was infused into the region and about 43.43 percent growth from the PhP2,107.52 million in 2007. The bulk of these investments, pegged at PhP1,100 million, representing 36.39 percent of the total, went to Agusan del Sur. Investments in Agusan del Norte continued to shrink by 3.12 percent, the lowest among all provinces. Agusan del Sur scored the highest growth rate at 225.36 percent while Surigao del Sur expanded, although minimal, at 0.70 percent, and Surigao del Norte with 27.58 percent. Butuan City ranked 9th among the 25 cities surveyed under the mid-sized cities category in the 2007 Philippines Cities Competitive Ranking Program. The said study “assesses the general ability of the city to attract investments, entrepreneurs, and residents and uplift the living standards of its residents and provides a benchmarking process that will aid individual cities in measuring competitiveness.” Another city in the region, Surigao City, was the 3rd top performing city out of the 45 surveyed cities in the small-sized cities category. Surigao is the only city in Mindanao that was able to make it to the top 10 in this category.

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Figure 9. Investments per Province (in million pesos), 2007-2008,

Source: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Caraga

Consistent with the increase in the investments in the region in 2008 was the 7.75 percent growth in the number of new business names registered, an indication of a sustained growth in this sector. Although Agusan del Sur managed to get the bigger pie of investments in the region, it posted negative growth of 1.22 percent, which also registered the least number of business names registration. The investments in this province were usually middle- to large-scale business ventures compared to the small ventures in other provinces thereby increasing their number of business names registered. The highest number of business names registered was in Agusan del Norte, which rank only third in terms of growth. The highest in terms of growth was Surigao del Norte at 21.65 percent. The number of new registered cooperatives rose from 74 in 2007 to 131 in 2008 mostly engaged in lending, merchandizing, production, buy and sell. An additional of 3,984 new members was recorded (2,078 males and 1,906 females). An additional paid-up capital of PhP4,968,850 was poured into the coop sector to beef up economic Tourism Development Plan The heavy influx of investors to the mineral-rich Caraga Region, surfaces the pressing need for transient billeting and more residential as well as commercial spaces therein, especially in the regional capital, Butuan City. Brisk and dynamic tourism arising from burgeoning business exchanges are anticipated in Caraga in the months and years to come. This is further bolstered by the current trend of development being diffused from Metro Manila to the regions in the south. Business process outsourcing (BPO) companies have been locating outside of Metro Manila into the regions for the past few years.

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There is therefore a need to address this growing demand for houses and commercial spaces in Caraga and spur tourism further on. Another boost to tourism is the development of sports facilities in Caraga. In March this year, Korean investors recently offered to the City Government of Butuan to put up business and sport centers. The Koreans intend to construct their facility at the property wherein the City Government center is located. Butuan City has already completed construction of 4-storey buildings for commercial purposes (see photos below).

Photos of newly built City Government Commercial Complex at Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City

The city government estate is located in Barangay Ampayon, more or less 9 kilometers from the city proper. The Koreans also plan to put up a Gymnasium and sports playgrounds for football, tennis and other outdoor sports. The Koreans chose this area from among all the other places in Butuan City as it is flood free. The resolve of the Korean delegation is to bring in thousands of South Korea nationals who want to stay in Butuan City for about three to four months at winter time when in Korea they cannot indulge in their favorite outdoor sports -- football, tennis, among others, due to extreme weather. Among many other factors, with the Philippine-Korean project, it is projected that Butuan City will become one of the biggest sports centers in Mindanao. The formulation of the Provincial Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Agusan del Norte is nearly done adhering the Local Government Code of 1991 otherwise known as R.A. 7160, Sec. 17, which provides directives for the local government units, at both the municipal, city and provincial levels, to develop potential tourist attractions within their respective localities, and to formulate development and promotion programs. The said Plan has specific objectives that are eyed to contribute a steady growth for Agusan del Norte’s economy which has a Natural Draw provided by its outstanding natural assets that bode well for its future in tourism development.

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The Priority Tourism Destination Areas are leaning towards the following areas: Lake Mainit Circuit – Lantawan View Park and Kalinawan River Cruise; Butuan Bay West Circuit – Punta Diwata Dive Sites, Mt. Carmel View Park and Nasipit Cove Marina; Cultural Heritage Circuit – Cabadbaran City Heritage Houses, Bitaug Centennial Tree and the First Mass Marker, Delta River Cruise; and Mountain Adventure Circuits such as the Hilong-hilong Waterfalls Route; Pirada Mine-Tunnel and Horse Back Riding Loop. Tourism is the one of the CARAGA region’s growing potential. More and more local stakeholders recognize the importance and potentials of the tourism industry in the local economy. Despite the onslaught of the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, the tourism sector remained robust and has contributed positively to the region’s economy. The year 2008 also opened new opportunities with the strengthened promotion and marketing efforts and increased accessibility and connectivity of tourism destinations to the local and international market. There were a total of 419,917 tourists in 2008 which is an increase of around 9 percent from the previous year’s tourist arrivals. Butuan City accounted for 48 percent of the tourist arrivals followed by Surigao City accounting for 24 percent. Butuan and Surigao Cities are the ports of entry and where the major accommodation facilities in the region are located which partly explains the high tourist arrivals in the areas. The province of Agusan Del Sur exhibited the highest growth rate in tourist arrivals from years 2007 and 2008 followed by Agusan Del Norte with a growth rate of 32 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The increase in tourist arrivals in said provinces was attributed to the increased tourist visits in eco-tourism sites. Among the top eco-tourism destination in Agusan Del Sur is the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary which continues to attract local and international tourists and researchers because of the unique ecosystem in the area and its diverse endemic flora and fauna. It has also become a known destination for bird watchers. The rich diving sites of the Province of Agusan Del Norte also attract local and international tourists. However, in 2008 Butuan City and Surigao Del Sur exhibited a decline in tourist arrivals, by 9 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Such decline can be attributed to the decline in arrivals of OFWs who were affected by the global crisis.

Table 11: Number of Tourist Arrivals by Province/City, 2007 and 2008 City / Province 2007 2008 % share Growth Rate Butuan City 217,796 200.417 48% -9% Bislig City 14,545 17,966 4% 19% Surigao City 77,935 103,547 24% 25% Tandag City 7,110 2% Agusan Del Norte 15.150 21.788 5% 30% Agusan Del Sur 19,207 28,390 7% 32% Surigao Del Norte 25.752 26,192 6% 2% Surigao Del Sur 15,150 14,507 3% -4% Caraga 380,408 419.917 100% 9%

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Source: DOT Caraga Domestic travelers totaled to 388,023 accounting for 92 percent of the total tourists, followed by foreign travelers which totaled to 29,570 or around 7 percent. The percentage share of foreign tourists in 2008 compared to 2007 grew by around 2 percent, an indication of the vibrant tourism industry despite the global financial crisis. The top five country of origin of the foreign tourists are United States of America (33%), Australia (16%), China (13%), Canada (9%) and Japan (7%). The intensified marketing and promotion efforts have contributed to the increased number of foreign tourists in the region coupled with the events and festivals being spearheaded by the localities. While in the past 10 years, tourist arrivals in the region have been growing, Caraga Region’s share to the total number of tourists in the Philippines is quite minimal. At an average, the percentage of Caraga was posted at --- % in 2008. This indicates that there are a lot more to be done in this area.

Table 12. Tourist Arrivals By Type Per Province and City, 2008

Butuan City

Bislig City

Surigao City

Tandag City

Agusan del

Norte

Agusan del Sur

Surigao del

Norte

Surigao del Sur Total

Domestic Travelers 188,731 17,861 91,429 6,940 21,143 28,220 19,447 14,252 388,023 Overseas Filipino 944 - 992 - 1 - 387 - 2,324 Foreign Travelers 10,742 105 11,126 170 640 170 6,358 255 29,570 Total 200,417 27,966 103,547 7,110 21,788 28,390 26,192 14,507 419,917 Source: DOT Caraga Among the major tourism events is the International Surfing Competition, different festivals such as the Bonok Bonok Festival in Surigao City, Naliyagan Festival in Agusan Del Sur and Adlaw Hong Butuan, among others. On April 16-19, 2008, the 1st International Game Fishing was held in the Municipality of Pilar in Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte. It was participated in by representatives from Australia, Russia, United States of America, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan and other neighboring Asian countries. Massive infrastructure projects were implemented in preparation for the event including the rehabilitation of the Sayak Airport in the Municipality of Del Carmen and concreting of Dapa-Del Pilar section road. Looking into tourism related facilities in the region, accommodation and recreational facilities are available. Majority of the hotels, lodging houses and other accommodation facilities are located in Butuan City. It has a total of 10,874 rooms or 40 percent of the available rooms in the region. Only the three cities namely Butuan, Bislig and Surigao City have hotels. Most of the resorts can be found in the Province of Surigao Del Norte due to its pristine islands and white beaches. The average occupancy rate for all the accommodations in

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the region was only 28 percent. This figure is considerably low. However, during peak season or when festivals and other major tourism events are held, influx of tourists increased and most of the accommodation facilities from hotels to lodging houses are occupied. In areas where there are only a few resorts and other accommodation faculties, homestays are even considered as an option in order to accommodate both local and foreign tourists.

Table 13. Total Number of Rooms and Occupancy Rate Per Province and City, 2007 and 2008

Number Occupancy

(%) Number Occupancy Rate

(%) Butuan City 10,770 42.29 10,874 43.67 Bislig City 1,317 28.35 1,124 29.56 Surigao City 5,757 6,033 30.24 Tandag City 40.90 377 15.68 Agusan Del Norte 583 24.56 1.196 18.76 Agusan Del Sur 2,684 2.732 29.8 Province of Dinagat Islands 1,020 3.09 22.55 Surigao Del Norte 3,493 67.17 3.992 68.65 Suriqao Del Sur 2,402 5.68 340 1404 Caraga 27,006 33.08 27.688 28.17 Source: DOT Caraga Current efforts of the Department of Tourism Caraga are geared on accrediting hotels, tour guides and other tourism related facilities. As of today, a total of – accommodation facilities including resorts have been accredited. DOT has also been extending assistance to various tourism related projects such to further strengthen the tourism industry in the region. Internal and external linkages have also improved. In September 2008, there was already Siargao Island to Cebu and vice versa flights operated by Cebu Pacific. The Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific also have two flights for Manila to Butuan (and vice versa) and single flights for Butuan Cebu, Cebu-Butuan daily. Marine Transport Port facilities in Agusan del Norte are located in Nasipit and Butuan City. Nasipit port has the largest area of 46,365 sq. m. while Port of Masao and Port of Butuan has 8,014.70 sq. m. and 14,500 sq.m. respectively. These are all operational with fendering, mooring, lighting, water supply and standby Generator back-up facilities. Nasipit the largest port area has the highest number of backup facilities with 60 fendering and 52 mooring, Masao has 21 fendering and 18 mooring, and Butuan port has 5 fendering and 10 mooring. Ship passenger traffic passed through the port has decreased from 2006-2008 at an average of 16% both in disembarking and embarking.

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Air transport The Airport is located at Bancasi, Butuan City that serves the entire province and other neighboring provinces. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines companies provide air transport services to destinations from Butuan to Manila, Butuan to Cebu and vice versa. Facilities present in the airport are concrete runway with 2,100m Length x 45m Width, concrete ramp with 200m x 100m, control tower with radio and other navigational equipment has a floor area of 150 sq.m., Dopper Very High frequency Omni Directional Range (DVOR), Crash Fire and Rescue Unit with 225 sq.m. area, Runway Lights, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), PAPI Lights and two (2) units fire trucks with complete accessories. Water Based on the CBMS 2011 survey results, of the 11 municipalities, Magallanes had a very pronounced need for water since only 32% of its population had access to safe drinking water. This can be attributed largely to the land forms and classification of the town, which is marshy. In fact, it is 2 feet below sea level. Moreover, it is located along the convergence of the Agusan River and Butuan Bay. In 2008, some initiatives like tapping water from the nearby town of Cabadbaran City were adopted to decrease the gap. Due to its abundant water supply and healthy watershed, Cabadbaran had the most number of people with access drinking water (about 96% of the population). Overall, however, only 85% of the total population of the province had access to safe drinking water. Taking into account the urbanity of the barangays in each municipality, it was observed that urban areas had greater access to safe drinking water than rural areas. As to sources of drinking water, 7,454 households had their own community water systems. Another 13,473 households got safe drinking water, from shared deep wells; 2,184 households from their own deep well; and 8,102 households, from artesian wells and bottled water. A total of 8,193 households got their drinking water from unsafe sources. Food Self-Sufficiency Food Self-Sufficiency refers to the policy objective of meeting the food requirements through intensive local food production in a sustainable manner based on the area’s existing and potential resource endowments and related production advantages. It is reflected in Table IV-18 that Agusan del Norte including Butuan City, has a self-sufficiency level in the following commodities, to wit: mango - 93.30%, leguminous vegetable – 44.63%, dressed chicken - 32.85%, cassava – 26.58%, banana – 20.68% and rice – 17.59%. The province has a very high deficit in fish – 96.35%, beef/carabeef – 42.24%, root crops (camote) – 31.51%, pork – 24.78% and corn – 8.34%.

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Fish Production (MT) By Sector There are three (3) sectors under fish production, namely: Municipal Marine, Inland Municipal and Aquaculture. Data on this includes Butuan City. Among the sectors, Municipal Marine has the highest production. Of the total fish production of 57,013.72 from 2005-2009, 66% or 37,598.42 is under municipal marine, 23% or 13,209 is under aquaculture while the remaining 11% or 6,206.30 is under inland municipal. Education Performance Indicators The Five-Year Historical Data on the Performance Indicators for Elementary and Secondary shows that the highest participation rate in both elementary and secondary is during SY 2010-2011, 83.39 and 52.30 respectively. Literacy Rate In 2003, Agusan del Norte is next to Butuan City in terms of literacy rate but among the four (4) provinces in the Caraga Region, Agusan del Norte ranks the first and Surigao del Norte is the last. DAY CARE CENTER In 2010, the province has a total of 235 Day Care Centers with 217 Day Care Workers. Of the total number of children served, 51% or 3,845 are boys and 49% or 3,753 are girls. Health Government/Private Health Care Facilities Of the fifteen (15) Health Care Facilities in the province, eight (8) or 53.33% are private facilities while seven (7) or 46.67% are government hospitals. Seven (7) of these hospitals are situated in Butuan City including the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital while the district hospitals are in Nasipit, Cabadbaran and Kitcharao and the municipal hospitals are in Jabonga and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. Status of Rural Health Manpower The Provincial Hospital is a tertiary level facility that serves both as a core and end referral hospital for patients throughout the province. Preventive health care services are being provided in rural health facilities managed by the municipal governments. There are 11 RHUs under the four ILHZs.

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In 2007, all of the eleven (11) towns have one (1) Rural Health Physician stationed in Rural Health Units (RHUs) and ninety six (96) midwives providing primary health services in ninety one (91) Barangay Health Stations (BHS). In 2010, one rural health unit (RHU) (RT Romualdez) has been without a doctor for over a year and the newly hired municipal health officer (MHO) of Las Nieves RHU contemplated to remain until the end of 2010. The current ratio of rural physicians is beyond the national standard of 1 every 20,000 population. Additional physicians are required to serve the population in two (2) municipalities (Nasipit and Buenavista) and the newly created city of Cabadbaran. Midwives assigned in barangay health stations (BHS) are adequate based on the standard ratio of 1:5,000 population. But some geographically isolated and depressed areas (GIDA) with BHS will require posting of an additional RHM. Only seven (7) dentists serve the entire population of the province. Vital Health Index Agusan del Norte’s crude birth rate in 2010 is 23.03 lower by 0.47 compared to that in 2006 which is 2.50. Infant mortality decreased during the period from 3.35 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006 to 2.02 in 2010. The deaths among infants reduced by1.33. While infant mortality decreased, the maternal mortality rate increased from 0.27 in 2006 to 1.64 death per 1,000 live births in 2010. It was in 2003 that the province hit the benchmark of zero death. The crude death rate is only 3.60 in 2006 per 1,000 live births lower than the 2010 rate of 3.99. Leading Causes of Morbidity and Mortality Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and pneumonia are the leading causes of morbidity while pneumonia, sepsis and traumatic injuries are the leading causes of mortality. From 2006 to 2008, pneumonia is the second leading cause of mortality next to heart disease but in 2009 and 2010 it stands as the number one leading cause of mortality. Mother Tongue/Ethnicity Most of the residents of the province are from the Visayas Island. Forty percent (40%) of the population speak Bisaya, 33% Cebuano and 7% Boholano as mother tongue. The Butuanons who are among the original inhabitants of the place comprised 3.05% of its residents. All the residents can speak Pilipino.

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Mythical Origin Believed by some historians as the place where the first Christian mass in the Philippines was celebrated, Agusan was first referred to by its Malay settlers as “agasan”, a word in the dialect meaning “where water flows”. This alluded to the presence of a mighty river that traversed the whole area. With the coming of the Spanish conquistadores, the area where flowed a mighty river came to be known as “Agusan” to the civilized world. The aborigines of Agusan were the ancestors of the present day Mamanwas who were driven to the hinterlands by the first wave of Malay immigrants coming from Borneo and Celebes. These people, in turn, sought the protection of the interior jungles because of the forays and the constant raids of “Moro” pirates. The “Moros”, being seafaring people, confined themselves to the coastal areas where they started settlements, leaving the forestall areas to the Manobos. Agusan del Norte’s claim to being the province where the first mass was held is perpetuated in oral historical traditions whose beginnings date as far back as the latter part of March and early part of April, 1521. Rajah Siagu, the ruler of Agusan, was said to have left his settlement in order to visit his friend Rajah Humabon of Bohol. Together, they visited the ruling rajah of a place called Limasawa where a fleet of Spanish galleons headed by a Portuguese navigator called Fernao Magallao (Fernando Magallanes in Spanish) had just dropped anchor. Rajah Siagu invited the navigator to visit his place, to which Magallanes went and had a mass celebrated on Easter Sunday in what is now called Magallanes (formerly Masao). It is said that Magallanes’ ships were given provisions by Siagu for which, in gratitude, his people were exempted later on from paying tribute to the King of Spain. This boon lasted only for sixty years and was taken away when the people rose in revolt against the conquistadores. With the occupation of Spanish troops, came the priest and scholars who immediately started converting the natives. Of the missionaries sent here, the most outstanding was Rev. Saturnino Urios, a Jesuit, who indefatigably set about converting some 23,000 natives during his 28 years in the province. He is oftentimes called the “Apostle of Agusan” for his missionary zeal and to honor him, the parochial school of Butuan was named Father Urios College, and presently is called Urios College. Agusan took arms against Spain during the revolution. With Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government, a small native unit was organized in Butuan under the leadership of Senor Gumersindo Flores. This small force put to task the American soldiers stationed in the place. Spears being no match to the powerful guns of the Americans, Agusan yielded to the might of the American soldiers in January 1900. Until 1911, Agusan, under the name of Butuan, was part of Surigao province, formerly known as Caraga district. However, following the passage of Act 1693, creating the non-Christian provinces, it was separated from Surigao, with the Diwata Mountains as the boundary lines.

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Before the approval of Republic Act No. 4979 on June 17, 1967 and its proclamation as a province on January 5, 1968, Agusan del Norte was part of the former province of Agusan. The province was under the military rule until 1913. When the Department of Mindanao and Sulu was created under the Secretary of Interior, Agusan became one of the seven provinces comprising the department with Frank W. Carpenter as the first civil governor. In 1914, the first Filipino governor of Agusan was appointed in the person of Teofisto Guingona. The first elected governor of Agusan was Apolonio D. Curato in 1923, holding this position for three terms. Jose Rosales followed him and stayed as governor for two terms. In 1936, Mariano C. Atega was elected governor and was succeeded by Agustin O. Casiñas. Then, war broke out. During the Japanese occupation, General Aguirre occupied the governor’s post for five months. Liberation came and Curato was again the governor. However, he stayed in the position only for a year. Servando D. Jongko who was elected in 1947, stayed as governor until 1951. From 1952 to 1959, Felixberto C. Dagani occupied his post. He was succeeded by Democrito O. Plaza who served as governor from 1960 to 1963. Jose C. Aquino took over in 1964 and resigned in 1966 when he ran for Congress. His vice governor, Consuelo V. Calo ran for governor in 1967 and won. On June 17, 1967, R.A. 4979, authored by Congressman Jose C. Aquino was passed by congress dividing Agusan into two (2) provinces, namely Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Agusan del Norte joined the ranks of fast developing provinces on July 1, 1974 when it became a Provincial Development Assistance Project (PDAP) province through the efforts of Governor Consuelo V. Calo. She remained as Agusan del Norte’s Chief Executive until 1986 when the revolutionary government of President Corazon C. Aquino made a complete revamp on the national and local government units throughout the country. The province then, was administered by OIC Governor Jose T. Gonzales but his term was short live due to his death on the same year. OIC Governor Jesus S. Delfin was appointed to fill in the vacancy of governorship until he decided to run for a gubernatorial candidacy which he lost to Candidate Eduardo L. Rama, Sr., who won in the 1988 election. Governor Eduardo L. Rama, Sr., served the province for two terms and after which he ran for Congressman and won. On February 23, 1995, R.A. 7901 was approved by His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos creating the four (4) provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the two (2) cities of Butuan and Surigao as Region 13 or CARAGA Administrative Region. Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante got elected as governor in 1995 and served until June 2004.

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Erlpe John M. Amante got the post in the 2004 elections and now steers the province to its desired development. BUENAVISTA In the year 1887, a group of Manobos from the frontier of Agusan found an ideal place for a fishing retreat and rendezvous which was later on named “Tortosa” by Adolfo Calo who visited the village and found the place abundant with tortoise. Soon, another group of immigrants who were attracted by the abundance of fish in the place and its good prospects in agriculture settled in Tortosa, later on renamed Lihaw-an after a white deer believed sacred by its pagan dwellers. This deer was found dead by the natives not far from the river bank which encircled the village and its remains placed on the table and allowed to rot. Because its odor spread over the area of the village, the place was named Lihaw-an, meaning “baho-an” (bad smell). In the year 1920, the village known as Lihaw-an was changed to Buenavista meaning “good view”, a name given to it by an emissary of the Governor-General who was impressed by the picturesque view of the village. On January 1, 1937, by virtue of Executive Order No. 65 issued by the Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, the barrio of Buenavista became a municipality. CABADBARAN “Reunion”, the former name of Cabadbaran in the late 19th century, was a new settlement rising along the mouth of the Cabadbaran river. The place was then only a barrio of the municipality of Tubay. Among its early inhabitants were the Manobos. After a short time, a handful of Christians like the Raras, Jamboys, Doldols and others came and settled there. Not long after them, came another group like the Daganis, Cabonces, Curatos, Jongkos and others who also resided permanently in the place. Together, these people began to clear the area along the coast while the natives were moving inland to occupy the interior area which later on became the town site. Later on, the barrio “Reunion” was named “Tolosa”. There are no records available to indicate the reasons for the change in name but it is believed that the settlement was named after a town in Spain. The same name is now retained by a barrio in the municipality, what once was the town proper. The change of Tolosa to Cabadbaran was believed to be attributed to an incident where the local chiefs ordered the release of two captives who were bound by ropes and were then untied. The word Cabadbaran, therefore, came from the vernacular word “Badbad” meaning to untie. Others, however, said that it was derived from the phrase “Badbaran sa Kawad-on” which in English means to “release from want”. Persons who faced hardships and suffered from want in other places had found solace and comfort in the locality.

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Under the leadership of Mayor Dale B. Corvera, the municipality of Cabadbaran became a component city of Agusan del Norte on July 28, 2007 by virtue of Republic Act 9434. The new city has high hopes of attaining higher levels of progress in the years to come. CARMEN Formerly called “Kabayawa” by the Manobo natives, Carmen got its present name from the miraculous image of the Virgin of Mount Carmel, believed to have been instrumental in Killing the leader of the bandits who used to inhabit the place. A Spanish soldier named Juan Cardoniga was supposed to have fired his rifle at the leader of the outlaws who possessed an amulet of some sort. Since his rifle did not work, Cardoniga got the image of the Virgin from his necklace and placed it inside the hole of the barrel, after which he succeeded in firing the rifle and in killing the outlaw chief. It was Father Saturnino Urios, the famous Jesuit priest of Agusan, who suggested that the name Kabayawa be formally changed to Carmen in honor of the sacred image. On July 1, 1949, barrio Carmen became a municipality by virtue of the provisions of Republic Act No. 380 sponsored in the Philippine Congress by the late Congressman Marcos M. Calo. JABONGA Jabonga traces its origin to a village formerly occupied by Negritoes and a few Christian immigrants. Led by a Manobo Negrito the mestizo Angelecio Montante, also called Agaras, the village became known as Celopan, a name derived from the bamboos growing along the bank of the river that were made into smoking pipes called “celopan”. Sometimes during the middle part of the nineteenth century, the increasing number of inhabitants who were joined by other Christian immigrants from other places transferred to a new settlement which is the present site of Colorado. By this time, the Spanish government was already sending missionaries to all parts of the island and the group that went up the Kalinawan River reached the settlement of Colorado, a name derived from the word “colorado” meaning colored, because of the white-spotted arms of Domingo Monoy, the brave settler who dared to face the newcomers. Proceeding upstream, the missionaries reached Celopan and seeing native inside a hut, the floor of which was just one meter above the water, they asked him what the place was called. Thinking that the Spaniards were referring to the hut, he answered “Habongan”. Thus, Celopan was renamed “Habongan” which later became Jabonga. KITCHARAO Legend has it that Kitcharao was once ruled by two powerful kings, Mangipikan who ruled the north and Busaylan who ruled the south. A dispute over their respective

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hunting territories eventually broke out into an open war wherein each side fought furiously until the subjects of King Busaylan were driven to the hills. The victorious King Mangipikan ordered his mighty boars to uproot crops and other plants on their way, crushing, biting and scattering their stems on the ground to show their victory. “Kit, Kit ug Isarao,” (Bite and scatter the plants) the king’s orders, thus, became associated with the name of the embattled plain of abundance. Time has shortened this famous battle cry to Kitcharao, the name by which the same place is known today. The municipality of Kitcharao was created by Republic Act No. 3842 sponsored by Congressman Guillermo R. Sanchez. It was once a barrio of Jabonga but through the initiative of the then Vice-Mayor Francisco Tuozo of Jabonga, who sponsored a resolution petitioning Congress for the creation of the Municipality of Kitcharao, Republic Act 3842 was passed. Kitcharao is the northernmost town of the province and lies on the boundary line between Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte. It has a land area of 225 square kilometers and owes its abundant fresh-water fish supply to the famous Lake Mainit, a top tourist attraction in the area. The inhabitants of the municipality come from various regions in Luzon and the Visayas, hence, you can find Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Ilonggos, Warays, Cebuanos, Boholanos, and a few aborigines called Mamanwas or Kongking, peacefully living side by side in this coconut-and banana-rich town. LAS NIEVES Las Nieves was formerly named “Pinana-an,” meaning a place for hunting, by its early inhabitants. The natives or Manobos with their bows and arrows (pana) went to Pinana-an to catch wild pigs, birds and other animals. Soon, some people from Butuan and other places of Mindanao began to settle and establish permanent residence in Pinana-an. At night time, however, the inhabitants shiver from the intense coldness of the area. On early mornings, thick fogs and dews blanket the whole place as if ice were constantly and silently falling upon the inhabitants. Because of this, the name “Pinana-an” was changed by the new inhabitants into “Las Nieves” means ice. MAGALLANES The written history of Magallanes is traceable to a monument with the Spanish inscription which reads:

ALIMMORTAL EL PUEBLO DE BUTUAN CON SU PAROCO Y ESPANIOLES

EN EL RESIDENTES PARACOMMEMORAR

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ISU ARRIBO Y CELEBRACION DE LA PRIMERA MISA EN ESTE SITIO EL DIA

8 DE ABRIL DE 1521 ERIGIDO EN 1872

SIENDO GOBERNADOR DEL DISTRITO D. JOSE MARIA CARAVALLO

It is believed by some writers that the first Catholic Mass in the island of Mindanao and in the Philippines for that matter was celebrated in Magallanes. This is disputed by other writers, however, who assert that such incident happened in Magallanes which is in Cebu. Nevertheless, a midway point is accepted which states that Magellan was not with the group that celebrated the mass in Magallanes although his men on an exploratory mission were there. The present site of Magallanes was previously called Ba-ug meaning “bad-odor” in the Butuan dialect. There are several explanations why Magallanes was originally called Ba-ug and all explanations were plausible. One version states that this area was thickly surrounded with nipa palms and mangrove trees and because of the fermentation of the dead leaves, roots and branches, bad smell permeated the area, hence, the name Ba-ug. As time passed, Magallanes emerged as the new name of Ba-ug as it gained popularity by its assertion that the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was celebrated there. During the early times, Magallanes was the poblacion for settlements along the river bank especially when inhabitants were on the war path. In peaceful times, the people went to other areas where farming was better and this led to the neglect of Magallanes. Around the end of the last century, nine families from Butuan decided to stay in Magallanes permanently. They were Macario Butil, Juan Plaza, Pedro Duncano, Wulegio Burias, Andoy Curilan, Jose Dumaplin, Prospero Dumdum, the Sumili Brothers and one known as Captain Santo, with Macario Butil acting as leader of the group. As time went on, many residents came back to Magallanes, oftentimes with their families, relatives or friends and in due time, Magallanes became a permanent barrio of Butuan. The Municipality of Magallanes became politically independent from Butuan City by virtue of Republic Act No. 5660 which was passed by Congress on May 5,1969 and finally approved on June 21, 1969. This Republic Act fixed the boundaries of this newly-created municipality. NASIPIT Perched on a promontory overlooking the picturesque Nasipit Bay is the progressive industrial town of Nasipit. From the open sea approaching the town, one would readily notice the pall of heavy smoke emanating from giant smoke stacks, evidence of

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industrial activity within the sprawling compound of the Nasipit Lumber Company and the Philippine Wallboard Corporation. The shoreline of Nasipit assumes a claw-like from which the word “Nasip-it” was derived. Until 1929, Nasipit was a barrio of Butuan. The then Governor Guingona proposed to change the name “Nasipit” to “Aurora”. Due to the strong opposition of the early inhabitants, however, the word Na-si-pit was retained. Little is known about the historical events that took place in this town during its early days. But legend has it that three women were abducted by marauding moro pirates who occasionally came to this place to rob and plunder. It was said that the villagers were terrified whenever the pirates came ashore and they went into hiding for days atop the thickly-forested hill which they later on settled and developed as the present-day poblacion. Because of this danger, the early settlers constructed a watchtower at the site presently occupied by the Catholic Church, to watch out for and warn the people of an impending pirate raid. The earliest settlers of this town were immigrants from Bohol. Later, immigrants from Cebu, Leyte and the different parts of the archipelago threaded their way into this town to settle permanently. The administration of the late Mayor Catalino Atupan saw the beginnings of industrial activities in this once sleepy town. During his nine years in office, Mayor Atupan strove to increase tax collection and encouraged the establishment of factories on account of the town’s strategic geographical location and ideal shipping facilities. At the end of his term in 1946, the Nasipit Lumber Company, Inc. controlled and operated by the Fernandez Hermanos started its operation. Thus, began Nasipit’s march to progress. REMEDIOS T. ROMUALDEZ The new town of Remedios T. Romualdez is composed of barangays: Agay, Tagbongabong, Humilog, Basilisa, Panay-tayon, Balang-balang and San Antonio, all previously a part of the municipality of Cabadbaran. These barangays were the principal sources of Real Property Taxes of Cabadbaran and the primary supplier of Agricultural products, notably rice. They were appropriately named the rice granary of Cabadbaran. The seven barangays slowly but steadily progressed as more migrants came and settled permanently to till the fertile soil. Agriculturally oriented and industrious new comers found the place a productive haven for an idyllic life. Situated along the Maharlika Highway, the inhabitants were convinced that their place could become a half-way town between the city of Butuan and Cabadbaran later. When Atty. Antonio R. Tupaz was elected Assemblyman of Agusan del Norte in 1978, he brought to the Interim Batasang Pambansa the proposal to make Agay as a municipal corporation. Acting on the petitions of the Agayanons and other neighboring barangays to be separated from its mother municipality, the assemblyman sponsored

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Parliamentary Bill No. 1291, an act creating the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez. Having qualified with requirements provided under the law, Batas Bilang 336 was passed making Remedios T. Romualdez the eleventh town of Agusan del Norte. It officially became a local government unit on January 1, 1984 with Mr. Euquerio A. Dominise, a former Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, serving as its first Municipal Mayor. SANTIAGO A group of natives fleeing from the municipality of Jabonga settled in a new place recognized by the municipality of Cabadbaran as Barrio Santiago in the latter part of 1898. However, in 1924, the existing Aciga River swelled its banks, destroying all properties, plants and animals and forcing the inhabitants of Santiago, Cabadbaran to transfer to barrio Jagupit. In 1936, the same river brought havoc to the barrio and the barrio folks again decided to transfer to Sitio Paypay at the foot of the hill. Long before the migration, the place was inhabited by the Manobos and the Mamanwas, but when the national government constructed highway cutting through Sitio Paypay, the influx of people to the place began. In 1936, through a bill in Congress sponsored by the late Congressman Marcos Calo, Paypay was changed to Santiago in honor of Saint Santiago. In the latter part of 1964, the barrio officials of barrio Santiago indicated their desire to become a municipality. Finally, in 1969, a bill sponsored by Ex-Congressman Jose C. Aquino and approved by the Sixth Congress of the Republic, gave birth to Republic Act 5242, which created the new municipality of Santiago. TUBAY Tubay, which was named after its brave founder Datu Tabay, lays claim to being the second Spanish settlement in Agusan. Formerly, the people settled in the wilderness of Ilihan, then transferred to Sitio Malubog and later to Tubay-Tubay and Sebang near the mouth of the Jabonga River. However, the danger of constant inundation and Moro attacks convinced the succeeding leaders of the place to move the pueblo Daan Lungsod where now survives the massive magkuno posts of a once strongly built spacious church. And it was here the settlement firmly took roots. Since 1898, Tubay was a prosperous town but when the Americans visited Tubay and Cabadbaran, they were convinced that the latter was the better seat of government. Therefore, in 1903, Tubay was reduced to a barrio to give ways its equally thriving neighbor Cabadbaran. Although reduced to a barrio status, it still remained a center of commercial activities due to the presence of Chinese merchants there. Boom in business in Tubay was still noticeable until the early and fabulous 20’s when the

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navigable Jabonga River was still the chief artery of its copra and hemp traffic. However, when the provincial road connecting Cabadbaran to Butuan and Cabadbaran to Santiago was finished, business in Tubay began to decline and business through the Jabonga River slowly disappeared. On October 20, 1947, Tubay regained its township by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 44 of the late President Manuel A. Roxas. Single-Age Classification By Sex Based on the 2007 CBMS Survey, male population is higher by 2.66% compared to that of the female population. Poverty Incidence Poverty Incidence is the number of households having an income below the Poverty Threshold. 2007 data shows that of the total population of the province, 56.75% are living below the poverty threshold. The highest incidence of poverty is in Jabonga, 79.88% while the lowest is in Nasipit, 47.39%. In terms of magnitude, however, the greatest number of poor people can be found in Cabadbaran and the lowest in Magallanes. Poverty Threshold Poverty Threshold is the income needed to sustain food and non-food needs of the household. For Agusan del Norte, each person living in the urban areas should meet the Php 14,964 per annum or Php 1,247 per person per month while those living in the rural areas is only Php 13,059 or Php 1,088 per person per month. Food Threshold Food Threshold is the amount needed by the household to sustain food needs. These living in the urban areas should meet the Php 10,158 per annum or Php 846 per person per month and for the rural areas, Php 9,208 or Php 767 per person per month. Education Performance Indicators The Five-Year Historical Data on the Performance Indicators for Elementary and Secondary shows that the highest participation rate in both elementary and secondary is during SY 2010-2011, 83.39 and 52.30 respectively.

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Literacy Rate In 2003, Agusan del Norte is next to Butuan City in terms of literacy rate but among the four (4) provinces in the Caraga Region, Agusan del Norte ranks the first and Surigao del Norte is the last. HOUSING Records show the number of households in the province living in makeshift housing is 2,683. Among the municipalities, Municipality of Santiago has the highest proportion of 10.10 households living in makeshift housing while the lowest proportion can be found in the Municipality of RTR having 2.34. There are also 2,554 households in the province who are informal settlers. Municipality of Buenavista ranked first having a proportion of 8.50 while Municipality of Las Nieves ranked last having 2.05 proportion. Based on the 2007 CBMS Survey, housing backlog of Agusan del Norte is 2,670 which is only 0.43% compared to the 619,708 housing backlog of the Philippines. EMPLOYMENT Records bear out provincial employment that is divided into 3 major sectors: the Agri-Fishery & Forestry, the Industry Sector and the Services Sector. The large sector in Services with its various sub-sectors has the highest share in total provincial employment at 42.54% employing 33,882. The next sector is the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry sharing 39.11% from the total provincial employment or 30,239 individuals employed. The least contribution in provincial employment is the Industry Sector having 18.35% or 14,194 individuals employed. The province has a total family income of 630,217.44 as shown in table III-41. Because of the location of the municipality of Buenavista has the highest contribution of 60.66% to the provincial agriculture fishery and forestry. PROTECTIVE SERVICES Police Force Over the 5-year period (2006-2010) the number of security service provider is increasing except for the year 2008 where the total number decreased from 322 in 2007 to 312 in 2008 making a total decrease of 10 policemen. In 2010, the total number of police personnel is 419 which has an increase of 24.58% or 103 compared to that in 2006 which is 316. Among the 10 municipalities over the 5-year period, Nasipit has the most number of policemen in its force – 28 in 2006, 26 in 2007 and 30 in 2010. RTR accounted for 25 policemen in 2008 and Carmen has 26 in 2009. The highest number in the City of Cabadbaran was in 2007 having 43 policemen. Male still dominates the police force.

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Crime Statistics A decrease in crime incidence by 19 is noted between 2006-2007 and it increased by 305 between 2009-2010, however, over the 5 year period, 2006-2010, crime incidence in the province registered a total increase of 368 crimes. Data shows that in Agusan del Norte, the city of Cabadbaran has the highest crime volume followed by the municipality of Buenavista, Nasipit, Santiago and RTR. Firemen Population In 2010, data shows that 116 firemen are serving the entire province. Based on Fireman to population ratio of 1 Fireman: 2,000 population, the ideal number of firemen is 256 with a shortage of 140 or 55%. There is also a shortage of 52 fire trucks since the existing number of fire trucks serving the whole province is only 12. Political Profile HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

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Believed by some historians as the place where the first Christian mass in the Philippines was celebrated, Agusan was first referred to by its Malay settlers as “agasan”, a word in the dialect meaning “where water flows”. This alluded to the presence of a mighty river that traversed the whole area. With the coming of the Spanish conquistadores, the area where flowed a mighty river came to be known as “Agusan” to the civilized world. The aborigines of Agusan were the ancestors of the present day Mamanwas who were driven to the hinterlands by the first wave of Malay immigrants coming from Borneo and Celebes. These people, in turn, sought the protection of the interior jungles because of the forays and the constant raids of “Moro” pirates. The “Moros”, being seafaring people, confined themselves to the coastal areas where they started settlements, leaving the forestall areas to the Manobos. Agusan del Norte’s claim to being the province where the first mass was held is perpetuated in oral historical traditions whose beginnings date as far back as the latter part of March and early part of April, 1521. Rajah Siagu, the ruler of Agusan, was said to have left his settlement in order to visit his friend Rajah Humabon of Bohol. Together, they visited the ruling rajah of a place called Limasawa where a fleet of Spanish galleons headed by a Portuguese navigator called Fernao Magallao (Fernando Magallanes in Spanish) had just dropped anchor. Rajah Siagu invited the navigator to visit his place, to which Magallanes went and had a mass celebrated on Easter Sunday in what is now called Magallanes (formerly Masao). It is said that Magallanes’ ships were given provisions by Siagu for which, in gratitude, his people were exempted later on from paying tribute to the King of Spain. This boon lasted only for sixty years and was taken away when the people rose in revolt against the conquistadores. With the occupation of Spanish troops, came the priest and scholars who immediately started converting the natives. Of the missionaries sent here, the most outstanding was Rev. Saturnino Urios, a Jesuit, who indefatigably set about converting some 23,000 natives during his 28 years in the province. He is oftentimes called the “Apostle of Agusan” for his missionary zeal and to honor him, the parochial school of Butuan was named Father Urios College, and presently is called Urios College. Agusan took arms against Spain during the revolution. With Aguinaldo’s revolutionary government, a small native unit was organized in Butuan under the leadership of Senor Gumersindo Flores. This small force put to task the American soldiers stationed in the place. Spears being no match to the powerful guns of the Americans, Agusan yielded to the might of the American soldiers in January 1900.

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Until 1911, Agusan, under the name of Butuan, was part of Surigao province, formerly known as Caraga district. However, following the passage of Act 1693, creating the non-Christian provinces, it was separated from Surigao, with the Diwata Mountains as the boundary lines. Before the approval of Republic Act No. 4979 on June 17, 1967 and its proclamation as a province on January 5, 1968, Agusan del Norte was part of the former province of Agusan. The province was under the military rule until 1913. When the Department of Mindanao and Sulu was created under the Secretary of Interior, Agusan became one of the seven provinces comprising the department with Frank W. Carpenter as the first civil governor. In 1914, the first Filipino governor of Agusan was appointed in the person of Teofisto Guingona. The first elected governor of Agusan was Apolonio D. Curato in 1923, holding this position for three terms. Jose Rosales followed him and stayed as governor for two terms. In 1936, Mariano C. Atega was elected governor and was succeeded by Agustin O. Casiñas. Then, war broke out. During the Japanese occupation, General Aguirre occupied the governor’s post for five months. Liberation came and Curato was again the governor. However, he stayed in the position only for a year. Servando D. Jongko who was elected in 1947, stayed as governor until 1951. From 1952 to 1959, Felixberto C. Dagani occupied his post. He was succeeded by Democrito O. Plaza who served as governor from 1960 to 1963. Jose C. Aquino took over in 1964 and resigned in 1966 when he ran for Congress. His vice governor, Consuelo V. Calo ran for governor in 1967 and won. On June 17, 1967, R.A. 4979, authored by Congressman Jose C. Aquino was passed by congress dividing Agusan into two (2) provinces, namely, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Agusan del Norte joined the ranks of fast developing provinces on July 1, 1974 when it became a Provincial Development Assistance Project (PDAP) province through the efforts of Governor Consuelo V. Calo. She remained as Agusan del Norte’s Chief Executive until 1986 when the revolutionary government of President Corazon C. Aquino made a complete revamp on the national and local government units throughout the country. The province then, was administered by OIC Governor Jose T. Gonzales but his term was short lived due to his death in the same year. OIC Governor Jesus S. Delfin was appointed to fill in the vacancy of governorship until he decided to run for a gubernatorial candidacy which he lost to Candidate Eduardo L. Rama, Sr., who won in the 1988 election. Governor Eduardo L. Rama, Sr., served the province for two terms and after which he ran for Congressman and won.

On February 23, 1995, R.A. 7901 was approved by His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos creating the four (4) provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the two (2) cities of Butuan and Surigao as Region 13 or CARAGA Administrative Region.

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Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante got elected as governor in 1995 and served until June 2004. Erlpe John M. Amante got the post in the 2004 elections and now steers the province to its desired development. Eco-tourism Adventure

Canoeing As the most proficient means of transport in a land of water, the native dugout canoe or “baoto” became synonymous to Agusan for the last 1,000 years. Today, canoeing has grown into an adventure and competition sport. Lake Mainit: Situated 80 ft. above sea level with a mean depth of 128 meter, the lake is a confluence of 28 rivers. Its area of 17,430 hectares with a total shoreline of 50 kilometers covers part of Agusan del Norte (Jabonga, Kitcharao, Santiago) and Surigao del Norte (Mainit, Alegria and Sison). It is known for its pidjanga, gabot, banak, haw-an, gi-ngaw, igi and kasili and is natural habitat to some endangered Philippine flora and fauna. Migratory birds from Russia and Japan and native flowers –pagosi and tabukali are its unique attractions. Kalinawan River :Declared as Caraga’s cleanest inland body of water, this 29.1 kilometer of pristine and picturesque river is Lake Mainit’s only outlet. It passes through the municipalities of Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay before it finally empties into Butuan bay. By history, it is one of the oldest trading and missionary routes in the Philippines. Its historical past (part of the Old Kingdom of Butuan even predates Philippine history. The river is fishing ground to the mamanwas since immemorial. The mamanwa tribe who inhabits around the lake and this river is the oldest indigenous tribe of the Philippines. Mountain Climbing Aside from club and mountaineering federation climbs, the province also offers climbing tours for 6-10 people to any of these destinations: Mt. Hilong-hilong, 2,012 meter above sea level: Straddling over the eastern portion of Cabadbaran and RTR is Agusan del Norte and Caraga’s highest peak. Seven major waterfalls, an ancient rock art, a carpet of giant white anthuriums, still undetermined number of virgin caves, nesting site of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, habitat of the Philippine wildcat, flying squirrel, tarsier , and microscopic flower not found anywhere else in the Philippines (German

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botanist circa 1920) are just some of its main features. By degree of difficulty, it is recommended to climbers with intermediate and expert skills only. A climb to the peak via Malvar Trail takes 4 ½ to 5 days. This mystical mountain was venue to the 17th national MFPI mid-year climb in 2002. Mt. Mabaho,1,823 meters above sea level Besides being Caraga’s second highest peak, it is also the K2 of Mindanao. Its massive peak of wet solid rock rising acutely to 80-90 degree angle makes it almost impossible to climb without gears. Except for a native “gamhanan” of old, according to legend no one has yet conquered its peak to this day. Known to natives as “Panlabaw” it is an intriguing destination for experienced mountaineers, technical climbers and extreme adventurers. Location : Santiago Mt. Mas-ai, 1,680 meter above sea level Located at Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran is another high peak. Among its features is Lake Balwang. It is negotiable in 3 days. It was venue to MFPI’s Mindanao in 1997. Mt. Mayapay, 675 meters above sea level Occupying part of Butuan and Buenavista, this mountain is closely associated with the Higa-onon tribe. It is the most accessible climbing destination from Butuan City. It is negotiable in a day and is a perfect fun climb destination. Mt. Mina-asug, 534 meters above sea level Located in Brgy. La Fraternidad, Tubay, it is negotiable less than a day. It is an ideal practice climb destination for beginners. Scuba Diving The province’s 102 kilometers of marine coastline offers a menu of 22 dive sites. Diving in Carmen is an excellent 80 ft. of visibility. Reef life rich with soft and hard corals plus abundant reef and pelagic fishes. Profile ranges from sloping walls to cliffs with depths from 40 ft. to over a hundred, with generally sandy floors. Jabonga and Tubay sites, on the other hand, are generally rock formations: crevices, caves, alleys, overhangs and walls with depths from 45 ft. to over 200. Pelagics abound together with snappers sweetlips and trevallies. Fish life is bountiful

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Snorkling-Skin Diving

Caving

Windsurfing

Trekking

Cultural and Heritage This edifice located at the mouth of Agusan river in present day Magallanes, is the site of the first catholic mass in Mindanao on April 8, 1521. Magallanes, in the olden days was called Baug, formerly the site of Butuan. Centennial Bitaug Tree: More than 500 years old this was declared a centennial tree by the Phil. Centennial Commission on June 3, 1998. Location: Brgy. Caloc-an, Magallanes. Cabadbaran Ancestral Houses: Cabadbaran’s Ancestral houses are predominantly old Spanish architecture. The most prominent of them is the Atega Ancestral Home, the biggest and most beautifully preserved in Caraga. It is the abode of Cabadbaran’s revolutionary hero – Don Andres Atega. Our Lady of Assumption Church: After the devastating typhoon in 1876, Fr. Urios instigated Jabonganons to look for a higher ground for a permanent church. Fr. Chambo, SJ, started construction in 1878. Fr. Llobera, SJ, blessed it during the feast of

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Corpus Christi, June 17, 1897. Today, it is the oldest Spanish church in the whole Caraga. Cabadbaran Museum: This is a mini-museum located at the ground floor of Teofisto Guingona Sr. Hall. It is a repository to the town’s old documents, as well as artifacts from Cabadbaran’s 4 archeological sites Archeological Sites

H O L I D A Y S A N D F E S T I V A L S: The City commemorates special holidays and festivals on these dates: City Fiesta ( in honor of St. Joseph) - May 19 KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL ( Every 3rd Sunday of January-Brgy. Libertad) - A colorful street theater presentation of Barangay Libertad, Butuan City to celebrate the feast of Sr. Sto.Niño. It is Butuan's counterpart of the Sinulog of Cebu. March 31 - Mazaua Discovery Day Balangay Festival - May 1-31 City Fiesta of St. Joseph - May 19 Abayan Festival - Last Sunday of July Adlaw Hong Butuan - August 2 ( Charter Day Anniversary ). First Recorded Trade Mission from the Philippine Island to China - October 3

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ANNEX “A”: EXECUTIVE ORDERS

[EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 81, July 30, 2012]

CREATING THE MINDANAO POWER MONITORING COMMITTEE WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9136 or the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” was enacted to provide a framework for the restructuring of the electric power industry, including the privatization of assets of the National Power Corporation, the transition to the desired competitive structure, and the definition of the responsibilities of various government agencies and private entities;

WHEREAS, it is the primary duty and responsibility of the State to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9996 or the “Mindanao Development Authority Act of 2010” provided as a declared policy of the State to “address the need for a coordinated and integrated approach in the formulation and implementation of various Mindanao-wide inter-regional development plans, programs, and projects;

WHEREAS, there is a need for a coordinating body that will monitor, harmonize, and integrate recommendations on addressing the issues and carrying out specific initiatives for the Mindanao power industry sector; and

WHEREAS, the Revised Administrative Code of 1987 provides for the continuing authority of the President to reorganize the administrative structure of the Executive branch of government.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and by law do hereby order the following:

SECTION 1. Creation and Mandate. There is hereby created a Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) to spearhead and coordinate the efforts of the national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao.

SECTION 2. Composition. The MPMC shall be headed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), with the following as members:

a. Department of Energy (DOE);

b. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC);

c. National Electrification Administration (NEA);

d. National Power Corporation (NPC); and

e. Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM).

The representatives of the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance (MEPA) and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) are likewise enjoined to become members of the MPMC.

SECTION 3. Duties and Functions. The MPMC shall have the following primary duties and functions:

a. Develop a database containing vital information regarding the power sector in Mindanao and other matters that may affect it;

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b. Assess the current situation of the power sector in Mindanao and evaluate the viability of the Mindanao Power Summit recommendations;

c. Regularly submit reports and recommendations to the President; and

d. Perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to implement this Executive Order (EO).

SECTION 4. Secretariat. MinDA shall serve as the Secretariat of MPMC and shall provide the necessary administrative support. It shall also serve as the repository of all documents and records of the MPMC.

SECTION 5. Agencies’ Support. The MPMC may seek the assistance of and may call upon other government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other relevant entities to assist them in the performance of their mandate under this EO.

SECTION 6. Funding. The initial funding requirement for the first year of operations of the MPMC shall be determined jointly by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and MinDA, and sourced from the Contingent Fund and such other sources as may be identified by DBM. Thereafter, the amount needed for the operation of the MPMC shall be incorporated in the regular budget of MinDA.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. All orders, rules, regulations, and issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this EO, are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. If any provision of this EO is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 9. Effectivity. This EO shall take effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 30th day of July, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR. Executive Secretary